Tips To Enjoy A Healthy and Safe Spring Break Vacation

Whether your idea of spring break is a relaxing holiday in the sun or a week of day-drinking with bikini-clad college students, the 2,000-year-old vacation tradition poses its unique set of travel challenges for college students and adults traveling to popular coastal destinations.

Spring break stressors which can include crowds, noise, and safety concerns can be minimized by planning ahead and taking a few simple precautions. If you’re heading to a popular spring break destination this year, scroll through the list below for tips to help you enjoy the most stress-free vacation possible.

Book Early.

And we’re not just talking about airfare. This rule applies to every aspect of your trip: If you’re heading to a popular destination like Aruba, Cancun, Daytona Beach or Puerto Vallarta, it’s going to be crowded. Be sure to book your hotel, transit meals, and activities like surfing classes and boat trips early to guarantee your spot. Everything will fill up quickly, so make an itinerary before you leave and try to lock in your plans as much as possible to avoid setbacks.

Do Your Research.

Certain cities and hotels will be overrun with college students during spring break, so choose your destination and lodgings wisely. Hard-core spring breakers heading to Cancun would do well to check out, while Sanibel Island is a good choice for a more low-key, relaxing trip. The same goes for your hotel: If you’re looking for peace and quiet, steer clear of beachfront mega-hotels. Check the reviews and photos to make sure you don’t wind up with any surprises when you get there. Make sure you confirm your reservation by calling the hotel directly. Some hotels include breakfast and other amenities that can help you save money, while others charge resort fees, so make sure you look at the fine details before booking.

Take Extra Safety Precautions.

Unfortunately, countless spring break horror stories make headlines every year. Be sure to stay safe, particularly in destinations with higher rates of crime towards tourists. Following basic safety measures — leaving valuables at home and refraining from wearing flashy clothing and jewelry, and making sure a family member or friend has a copy of your itinerary — can go a long way in ensuring that you don’t run into trouble. It’s always safe to be on the buddy system when you’re out and exploring the city. It’s always good to have company and you will be safer when you don’t wander by yourself.